Stanley Plotkin

Stanley Plotkin is a renowned immunologist and virologist, best known for his significant contributions to vaccine development. Born on May 12, 1932, in New York City, Plotkin has dedicated his life to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. His most notable achievement is the development of the rubella vaccine, which has played a crucial role in virtually eliminating this disease in many parts of the world.

Early Life and Education

Stanley Plotkin was born and raised in New York City. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 1956. Following his graduation, Plotkin completed his residency in pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Career

In 1957, Plotkin joined the Epidemic Intelligence Service of the CDC, where he began his work on infectious diseases. In 1965, he moved to the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, where he developed the rubella vaccine. This vaccine was licensed in 1969 and has since been used worldwide, significantly reducing the incidence of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.

Plotkin has also contributed to the development of other vaccines, including those for rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, and varicella. In addition to his work on vaccines, Plotkin has authored numerous scientific papers and textbooks, including the standard reference on vaccines, Vaccines.

Awards and Honors

Over the course of his career, Plotkin has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to vaccine development and public health. These include the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal, the Prince Mahidol Award, and the NFID Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement.

Legacy

Stanley Plotkin's work has had a profound impact on global health. His vaccines have saved countless lives and have significantly reduced the burden of infectious diseases worldwide. His contributions to the field of vaccinology continue to influence current research and development efforts.

See Also

• Vaccinology
• Immunology
• Virology
• Public Health

References

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